NJ DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NEWS RELEASE
RELEASE: 5/26/98
98/69
CONTACT: Amy Collings or Sharon A. Southard
609-984-1795 or 609-292-2994

STATEMENT OF DEP COMMISSIONER BOB SHINN ON THE ELLIS ISLAND DECISION

"This victory was made possible through the collective efforts of many dedicated people, including our own Tidelands Management Program, which provided extensive historical documentation for this case.

Program Chief JoAnn Cubberley and her staff spent countless hours researching, compiling and analyzing historical records relating to the island and its waters. They meticulously reviewed maps dating back to the early 1800s, aerial photographs from the 1930s, our own tidelands conveyance records, and many other legal documents that helped prove New Jersey's claims. Our experts in tidal water issues were instrumental, providing a tremendous amount of documentation to the Attorney General's Office and offering testimony as well.

The department is extremely proud of their accomplishment. I commend them for their outstanding work in this case."

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